From Newsweek · · 1m
Border Phone Searches Legalized
Court allows border agents to search phones without warrants.
In brief
Court allows border agents to search phones without warrants. U.S. appeals court permits border agents to search travelers' phones without warrants, risking privacy for journalists and others. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Border Phone Search Ruling
Appeals court panel ruled border agents can search travelers' phones without warrants.
Who Was Affected
Green card holder Chinwendu Alisigwe had his phone searched at JFK airport.
Conviction Outcome
Alisigwe was later convicted of bank fraud and money laundering.
First Amendment Concerns
Journalists and civil liberties groups fear privacy risks for sensitive information.
CBP Response
CBP says searches help enforce laws against terrorism and drug smuggling.
Search Statistics
Less than 0.01% of travelers had phones searched in fiscal year 2025.
Court Ruling Details
Phones treated as property for border searches, not requiring individualized suspicion.
What's Next
Courts may continue debating deeper phone searches requiring reasonable suspicion.
What to remember
U.S. appeals court permits border agents to search travelers' phones without warrants, risking privacy for journalists and others.
